Flower Power

 Summer is my peaceful season. It is relaxing on the couch in the morning light with a cup of coffee, long sleepy afternoons reading in the sunshine on my parents' deck, and lingering patio dinners with great food drinks and friends. There are also certain things that I like to do to mark the season, and one of those things is pick flowers to make homemade bouquets. I love having beautiful flowers in the house in the summer, especially now spending so much time at home.  Two years ago the summer before my wedding, I went to a local flower farm with two of my best friends and we picked flowers and put together mason jar bouquets for my bridal shower. It is such a great memory, and gave an extra special touch to the day. Last summer was super busy so we didn't make it, but I knew it was on my list of something I wanted to do this summer, especially since it is an outdoor activity and easy to social distance from others. Last weekend after returning from the beach we kept things low key, so last week I saw one of my favorite bloggers, Abby from Belle of the Ball went flower picking, and it inspired me to look into going this season as well.

We chose Henry's Gardens after reading a guide from Step Out Buffalo on where to U-Pick flowers in Western New York, and it was so lovely! I read that they are open dawn to dusk, to visit the farm stand and use the U-Pick flower field. We brought our clippers, although there were some available to use there, and we used an old cut in half milk jug with some water in it, and spent the most wonderful hour walking up and down the rows picking flowers, and we were the only ones there! It was so peaceful and beautiful in the late afternoon sunshine, and we made the most gorgeous bouquet, as well picked up some produce to use this week. I was so happy to support a local farm, and we had such a nice time!

I definitely recommend this as a great summer activity that you can do that also supports a local business! If you are local to Buffalo, the two places that I can personally recommend that I have been to are Henry's Gardens which is featured in these photo, as as well as the Flower Stand in Springville, where we picked the beautiful flowers for my bridal shower a few years ago. Take note that the Flower Stand is by appointment only this summer, but you ca reserve a spot online! I am also hoping to get to that farm this summer. 

What are some great activities you are enjoying this summer, even in this season of social distancing?

I hope that everyone has a great week